* Temporary is Book Two in the Indelibly Marked Series that revolves around the lives and loves of the Elliott Family and Permanent Tattoo. Each full-length book can be read as a stand-alone, and features its own couple
After a year spent secretly hooking up with his best friend’s baby sister, a tattoo artist who believes only ink is permanent must decide if his love is temporary. In a temporary world only tattoos are permanent… Content, consistent and calm described Ivan Harlow’s life to a tee. Satisfied with being a artist at the world-famous Permanent Tattoo, playing the role of eternal side-kick, and of course, hooking up with his best friend’s baby sister, his days are predictable and fun, and nothing has to change. With his live story permanently embedded in his skin, he still can’t help but feel anything he dares to love will only be temporary. All Emily Elliott wants are some big changes in her life. She wants to make it big in the world makeup, needs to show her three big brothers she is all grown up, and dreams of truly being with Ivan, the man she has wanted since she was seven years old. However, when the fate of the tattoo shop is put into Ivan and Emily’s hands, they must not only work together outside of the bedroom, but face their own personal truths, and figure out what is permanent, what is temporary and where love fits.
Kim Carmichael began writing eight years ago when her love of happy endings inspired her to create her own. A Southern California native, Kim’s contemporary romance combines Hollywood magic with pop culture to create quirky characters set against some of most unique and colorful settings in the world. With a weakness for designer purses, bad boys and techno geeks, Kim married her own computer whiz after he proved he could keep her all her gadgets running and finally admitted handbags were an investment. Kim is a member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as some small specialty chapters. A multi-published author, Kim’s books can be found on Amazon as well as Barnes & Nobel. From alcohol to makeup to infrared cameras and even scientific lasers studying the atmosphere, Kim has worked in some aspect of sales and marketing for over twenty years. When not writing, she can usually be found slathered in sunscreen trolling Los Angeles and helping top doctors build their practices.
Cash is a sexy, smart, cocky, ruthless, impulsive, and jaded bad boy.
Clair is shy, innocent, responsible and just plain old nice. She’s also in love with Cash….
Clair has worked for Cash at his Private Investigation firm for the last three years. She’s also been in love with him for just as long. She has kept her feelings for him a secret since she knows she’s not his type. But she is sick of being the sweet girl nobody notices. It’s time to be the girl she always wanted to be. She’s ready to put herself out there and try to get his attention. Unfortunately for Clair, she also catches the eye of someone else, and this someone, isn’t going to let her walk away easily.
Cash is forced to put all his experience as an ex-marine and private investigator to use when Clair is put in danger. But while he’s doing that, he starts to see her in a new light. He is determined to fight his new found attraction to her. She’s a good girl, sweet, gentle and kind. Not qualities he’s usually interested in. But things have changed. She’s changed. And now that Clair is in danger he’s finding it harder to keep himself under control.
Can Cash protect her from this new threat? And keep his hands off her, even though there’s no denying the attraction between them?
Just a little tease…
**4 1/2 HOT HOT STARS**
Undeniable Attraction was a book that hooked me in right from the beginning. Eliza Brown did a fabulous job of creating characters that instantly engaged me, as well as providing a story I couldn’t help but love.
What f-ing loved about this book:
Cash is gritty and tough. Cash is rough and gritty and downright crude at times, but boy does that just work for him. That was his character, and he owned it fully. His character is a little rough around the edges at first because of what he’s going through, but over the course of this book he really opened up, and his true self came through. Reading Cash is kind of like cracking a shell to get down to the really good stuff. It might take a bit to get there, but when you finally do get there, it’s so freaking good.
Clair stands tall against it all. Clair is thrown so many curveballs, and despite each one, she stands up and faces it all with her head held high. I respected that tremendously with her character, and it made me want to just cheer her on. I love heroines who have chutzpah, and Clair is no different. Clair was also just so endearing, and was wholly relatable and believable through every page. Everything she feels you feel, and that’s just magnificent.
The Undeniable Attraction. This book is very aptly titled. There is a true undeniable attraction between Clair and Cash that keeps building and building in this book until that attraction explodes. Almost literally. That build of attraction between these two is very well developed, and fits their relationship to a tee. It also makes this book nice and spicy which is always lovely.
The Action Packed Book.I read this book in one sitting because I could not put it down. It is so action packed with well written drama and so many instances that will have you dying to know what happens next. That action also brings out a lot from these characters. Reading how Cash and Clair handle that together just made me love them together even more, and it totally illuminated the fight they had within them to fix all that was going wrong around them.
Coming out of the shell.Clair seriously comes out of her shell throughout this book. At the beginning, she’s made it a goal to come out of her shell and be the girl she’s always wanted to be. (Told you she had chutzpah!) The way she comes out of her shell was great, and it just made me like Clair more.
Tessa and Clair’s Friendship. I’m a true sucker for female friendship, and Tessa and Clair’s is just fabulous. They’re all each other has, and the interactions between them are very authentic of female friendship. Reading their friendship together will just make you smile. It also helped that Tessa cracked me up half of the time.
Cash’s Protectiveness Over Clair. Cash is severely protective of Clair, and that all just heightens when danger begins to surround her. That protectiveness speaks to Cash’s true character, and the fierceness with which he cares for her. Cash will go to any length to protect Clair, and out of that protectiveness come so much for him. During those moments of protectiveness you see Cash at his very best.
The Vulnerability.Both Clair and Cash have different instances of vulnerability that come to light in their story. Those moments are painful and filled to the brim with emotion, but how Cash and Clair are there for one another in those moments is beautiful.
The Connection Between all of the Characters.The way all of the characters come together adds another fantastic layer to the events in the story. The relationships between Clair, Cash, Kai, and Tessa are developed in such a way that you feel the different connections between all of them. You feel that connection weave its way thoughtfully throughout the book in a way that will make you love all of them.
The Way it all Comes Together.I clearly won’t tell you what happens in the end of this book, but I will tell you it’s one wild ride. It’s full of twist and turns that’s going to send your heart racing at times. It’s got some very low lows, but when you get to those highs, it’s just spectacular. (And it makes those lows worth it in a way.) This book has some serious emotion to it as well, and the way that emotion comes together through all the characters makes this book a truly great read.
Eliza Brown is a simple little housewife from Cairns, Australia, with a wicked good imagination. She is the mother to three crazily cute kids and the wife of a Sexy Arse Tree Lopper. She is also baby sister to a Certified Nutbag, a Linesman and a Fireman.
Eliza spends her days running around after her kids and jotting down stories that come to her at inconvenient moments in her leather, flower embossed notebook. (She is very particular about her stationary.) Or in her iPhone or iPad or whatever she can get her hands on. (Damn kids keep running off with her stationary.)
When the kids are napping nine times out of ten, you will find Eliza sitting at her computer typing as fast as she can, while she can. Generally with her phone wedged between her shoulder and ear bouncing ideas off her sister.
We are celebrating this fab new release with some partying!!!! Come join in the fun and make this release a fabulous one for Author SC Ellington!
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS! The more the merrier.
Surrounded Release Party 6th August
Everything was falling into place. Even amongst all the chaos of Washington D.C., Brooklyn and Logan found each other.
Brooklyn never expected Logan…and as it always seems to happen with her…things fell apart. She has been through this before…was she strong enough to do it again?
On the outside, Logan was the epitome of wealth and confidence. Many knew his name but few knew his secrets. He never expected Brooklyn…but now she’s walked away. He knew what they shared mattered to her…and she…she mattered to him more.
🌟🌟4 1/2 FANTASTIC STARS🌟🌟
After reading Unsettled and falling in love with Brooklyn and Logan’s story, I was very eager to read Surrounded and find out how things would work out for them. I was not disappointed one bit by this story, and I loved getting to spend more time with these fabulous characters. Logan and Brooklyn’s story is one that I guarantee you will just love.
What I loved about Surrounded:
The Passion. This book is definitely a passionate one, and I could feel the passion between Logan and Brooklyn throughout the entire book. Even when things weren’t so peachy between them, I could feel that tangible passion between them. They have a true chemistry which was so easy to feel.
The Pushing. Both of these characters push the other one to move on from what they both have in their past, and to see the good in what they have together. That pushing makes them both better, and just shows how far they were both willing to go for one another. That pushing showed a lot about these characters.
Logan’s Got Some Tenacity. I loved Logan’s character, and especially since this book showed his perspective. The tenacity that Logan has to prove his feelings to Brooklyn just made me adore his character even more. He doesn’t give up, and that’s kind of important. He’s also sweet as hell, so that helps.
The Overall Journey of Brooklyn.Brooklyn goes through a lot of changes on her Journey through the events in Unsettled and Surrounded. She overcomes so much, and finds some true strength within her. She’s a strong female lead, and even when she was at her weakest, she had one hell of a backbone.
Dual Perspectives! We all know I heart me a book that gives me multiple perspectives, and this one was no different. Surrounded allows you to see both Logan and Brooklyn’s POV’s, and it illuminates so much about each of them. I also loved that the beginning of this book shows you more from Logan’s perspective on events from the past.
The Other Relationships. I adored the secondary characters in this book, and the other relationships that were highlighted in Surrounded. Brooklyn’s friendship with Alex was wonderful to read and it stood out in such a perfect way. Reading Logan’s complicate relationship with his family was also very intriguing, and added another great layer to this book.
It’s All in the Pace. The pacing of this book worked really well with the events that happen in Surrounded. This books picks up right where things left of in Unsettled, and I for one was dying to know what would happen. The pacing makes it easy to hook right into this book.
The Theme of Being Surrounded. The title of this book is Surrounded, and boy does that fit. The theme of being surrounded and being open to the feelings around you is beautifully weaved through this book. Logan and Brooklyn are surrounded by their feelings for one another, and that comes across in such a magnificent way.
Brooklyn Finds Herself.One of my favorite things about this book was reading how Brooklyn discovers who she truly wants to be. Her “finding herself” was so authentically written, and I adored getting to read how she was finally able to find what she wanted in all aspects of her life.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading both Unsettled and Surrounded. SC Ellington does a great job of creating characters that come to life off of the page, while creating a story that will engage you from beginning to end. Both of these books were fantastic, and I cannot wait to see what this author writes next because whatever it is, I know it’ll be wonderful!
S.C. Ellington is an up and coming author who enjoys expressing her creativity through frequently writing adult, contemporary romance novels that readers can relate to, but more importantly, enjoy.
Aside from writing, Ellington enjoys curling up with her e-reader and absorbing herself in novels loaded with emotion, desire, and passion. She also likes to spend sunny, wistful afternoons, in her hammock thinking up new ideas for great stories. Her debut novel, Unsettled was generated while consuming her favourite snacks – hot chocolate and popcorn
Ellington currently resides on the west coast with her beautiful Keurig, family and loving friends.
After a horrific breakup with her long-time boyfriend, Brooklyn Caldwell is completely disenchanted with the notion of mingling with the opposite sex. Damon Williams had been everything she thought she wanted…until he wasn’t.
In an attempt to escape her heartbreaking past, Brooklyn seeks refuge in bustling Washington DC where she folds into the fast paced society unnoticed…until she meets a young entrepreneur, Logan Colton.
Brooklyn is surprised to find that while she has been successful in keeping the opposite sex at bay, somehow she is defenceless against Logan’s confidence and charm—and it doesn’t hurt that he is absurdly beautiful. While thrilled with Logan’s candour, Brooklyn hesitates, as she can’t seem to move past the heartache that she suffered at the hands of Damon.
As much as Logan didn’t plan on pursuing her, he is drawn to Brooklyn’s muted beauty and her witty persona. For all his success, Logan is ensnared in the coveted world of unequivocal wealth and power, but behind closed doors is taunted by demons and an undeniable need to atone for a monumental mistake.
As the two embark on a tumultuous obstacle course saturated with unknown twists and turns, Brooklyn is left to question whether she can endure the journey ahead.
At the young age of nineteen, Shayne Andrews thought she had it all. She had the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, and a bright future ahead of
her. That is, until one day he just disappeared, leaving a note as his only goodbye. With her heart shattered and broken, Shayne did the only thing she
could. She left her small town on the shores of Lake Michigan to start her life over, needing to distance herself from the memories she and Luke had made.
At that time, she vowed to herself that she would never return to her hometown again. Seven years later, Shayne realizes that fate is not on her side as
she returns home for her aunt’s funeral, bringing back the one secret she swore to protect.
Luke Schavone has regretted every day that he had to leave Shayne behind. Though he didn’t have a choice, his heart still bore the scars from the impact.
After five years, Luke returned only to find that Shayne was gone. His best friend was the only lifeline he had to finding her, but Adam wasn’t talking.
When the one thing Luke has wanted everyday for the past seven years runs right into him one night, he becomes determined to make sure he doesn’t lose her
again.
At first, Shayne is hesitant. She wouldn’t be able to survive losing him again, but the pull toward him is so fierce, she can’t deny herself the chance.
With the decision to start over, Luke and Shayne must admit truths and come to terms with the events that forced them apart in the first place. When
secrets are revealed and old threats come to pass, will Luke be able to shelter Shayne from the destruction, or will she become lost to him forever?
Can you handle the heat? A compilation of steamy stories to entice, tantalize, heat you up and take your breath away by ten of your favorite authors. Grab a cold drink before settling in for a hot summer night of reading.
After eight years of marriage, Ian and Brittany are in a rut. Their life together has become routine, no longer filed with fun and spontaneity. And their love life? Non-existent.
Longing to break the dull, repeating pattern that is her life, Brittany looks to a friend for some advice on how to put some spice back into her marriage.
Her friend’s advice? A hands on, in home sex therapist.
Brittany brushes her off at first, but after another night of unexciting sex, she’ll try anything…ANYTHING to save her love life, even if it is an unconventional route.
Journey through the ups and downs of love, life, and lust with Brittany, Ian, and their sex therapist.
Melody is on her third date with James Thomas. She knows he expects them to have sex tonight, but what she doesn’t know is that he’s taking her to Fantasies for Rent an exclusive ranch where she’s in for the hottest experience of her life. Melody may learn she’s a submissive, but in the end will she agree to all the fantasies the club has to offer?
This book contains situations that you may find objectionable. If you find spanking, anal sex, bondage or ménage offensive, then this book is way too hot for you.
Hope Fairbanks is ready to cut the purse strings. She longs for the day that her affluent family will quit trying to buy off her dream of traveling the world as an art broker.
When she lands an internship at an elite NYC art gallery, Hope believes she’s finally on her way to freedom. That is until her first major assignment is to assist the highly sought after painter, Jonah Dempsey, with an upcoming show.
The eccentric, older artist unleashes Hope’s creative side by stripping away her inhibitions, one lashing at a time.
Tilly Shanters has big plans to make this summer a blue ribbon event. She’s heading off to college in the fall and has a few things to check off her list.
~ Win the county fair pie contest
~ Pack for college
~ Lose her virginity
Author Alex Saunders is just passing through. He has a few things to check off his list as well.
~ Clean out the house that was willed to him.
~ Sell it
~ Get to Hollywood to see his book turned into a movie
They had their summer set, until fate stepped in to redirect them. One night––one event––everything changed.
WARNING: This story contains mind-blowing sex, spanking, and dirty words. Proceed at your own risk.
After finding her husband of twenty-one years with her best friend, Cherry Black found herself in an abyss that she was not ready to climb out of. That was until her long lost spark was renew upon meeting and interviewing the elusive owner of the hottest BDSM club in the state.
An interview that she will never forget.
An interview that will either heal her or destroy her.
Elizabeth Slade, a college English instructor, has experienced success as a romance writer, but she has a dirty little secret: She can’t write sex scenes without a little help from Carl, a gorgeous guy who plays her pretend boyfriend and makes a booty call whenever her imagination is flailing.
She’d like for Carl to commit to be her permanent and real boyfriend, and she thinks that’s where they’re headed until she finds him getting way too cozy with another woman in a bar.
At that point, she enlists the help of her friend, fellow college instructor Roman Decker, who offers to temporarily take Carl’s place while she sorts through her emotions. She grows confused when she realizes she’s also attracted to Roman. When Carl comes back to her on bended knee, does she take the bad boy who broke her heart or try to convince her friend to make a real go of it?
Ava Porter wants to seduce her boss who has no idea she’s even on the planet. After indulging in enough wine to knock out her common sense and removing her contacts,she decides to pay him a visit.
Lucas Anderson is dog sitting for his younger brother when a beautiful woman knocks on the door, removes her coat to reveal a red bra and matching thong. Not a man to say no to a lady, he invites her in.
After an amazing night together, it takes a while for them to reunite, but when they do, sparks fly. Ava has dated so many losers, how can she think differently of Lucas? Life is full of surprises and they have to learn if love can be more than a one night stand.
Jackson “Jax” Caraway has been on the journey from hell. Four years ago, his life was turned upside down when he was smacked with the title of pedophile, fleeing the city, now a black sheep. There are two sides to every story, and his side has yet to be justified. Finally ready to step from the shadows to live his life, he’s decides to take the plunge. He just never expected for fate to drop a bombshell at his feet.
Jessa Roberts, graduate of fashion design school in Paris, is at a crossroads in her life. Finally she is free to plant her roots wherever her heart takes her. After having accomplishing her dreams, she doesn’t know what to live for anymore. Looking skyward, she wishes upon a shooting star to discover what the meaning of her life is. Normally a quirky, urban girl, she decides to branch out during a boring summer to experience the country life. And boy does she love the country view, all six feet, hard body in tight wrangler jeans, white t shirt, and boots. Lucky her, the amazing specimen is outside her window too.
On a hot summer day, their worlds collide; sparking instant chemistry, intertwining their hearts, and a magical love affair begins. A true fairy tale. Will the past come back to haunt them? Will the secrets of their forbidden love tear them apart? Can their love be enough to last more than the summer?
A fifth-year surgical resident who only has time for her new career…
A talented heart surgeon who’s just returned from Doctors Without Borders and wants to make time for romance…
A relationship that can’t possibly get off the ground…or can it?
Quinn Ross has only a couple of months left of her residency in Houston before she takes her boards and joins a prestigious heart surgeon in Dallas. When she gets a serious case of pneumonia and becomes a patient herself, she meets Dr. Roman Burke.
Roman found his love in Doctors Without Borders and made a career out of helping those less fortunate, especially small children in places like Haiti. Roman hid his heart under a magnificent tattoo for a very private reason and when Quinn thinks she’s found the reason…she’s misled and very wrong, making a wild move which leaves her feelings and her heart locked away.
Can they find they find their way back to each other? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I most definitely would! Hold on to your butts folks, because this book was freaking phenomenal, and I know y’all are going to love it as much as I did!
Alex Marquez wears many hats. Sometimes he’s the slightly patrician Don of a family with deep Spanish roots. Other times he’s a brilliant tech-God and CEO of an exclusive security agency. He’s also a boss, a musician, and a fierce friend. At the core though he’s a former Special Forces Commander, wounded in action, haunted by the heavy burdens of regret and what ifs that linger to this day. For him, personal redemption would never come. Too much darkness, not enough light.
And then Meghan O’Brien swoops into his life. She’s a ball busting curvy goddess who instantly pushes all Alex’s buttons.
When ghosts from the past threaten to destroy their relationship, Alex pushes her away. Meghan has a promising life ahead while his was blown to bits in a war zone. Hurt and bewildered, she comes to realize that loving Alex as she did was not a guarantee of an easy future. He had demons and if she took him on, those nightmares and the emotional aftermath were going to be coming along for the ride.
Was the redemption Alex sought to be found in her arms? Would finding his soul through the love of another finally send the demons packing and lay the past to rest?
My Review:
Let me start of this review by saying that I absolutely freaking loved this book, and I could rave about it for pages and pages. I have read all of the other books in the Justice Brothers Series, but I have to say this one is my favorite. (Not that I didn’t love the others, but this one just took the cake!)
And when you read a book that has the line “Bitches like romance” in it, how could you possibly not love the book? The answer to that question is you can’t. You won’t be able to resist the magnificence that is Redeeming Justice. It’s just impossible because this book was just that good.
What I absolutely freaking adored about this book:
Redemption Seeking Alex Marquez. Alex Marquez was a truly flawed character seeking redemption for things he ultimately had no control over. He has some very dark moments, but those moments combined with his physical and emotional scars just made me love and feel for him so much more. He’s also charming as hell, and even when he’s an ass, you’ll heart him something fierce.
Meghan’s Got Some Sass. I absolutely loved Meghan’s character. She had some serious sass and fire flowing through her, and I adored when that came out full force. She was a no nonsense gal who was the perfect match for Alex’s brooding self. Getting to read and see her spark was just phenomenal, and I couldn’t help but love her.
The Chemistry Is Off The Charts. The chemistry between Alex and Meghan is scorching hot. It’s freaking off the charts, and while reading you’ll be searching for your fan because it’s so hot. That heat defines the strength of the instantaneous and powerful connection they have, and makes this book what it is.
The Ups and Downs.The ups and downs that this book take you through are truly engaging and will keep you enthralled with this book until the last page. You won’t be able to put this book down because you will HAVE to know how everything turns out for these two. I dare you to not read this book in one sitting. I. DARE. YOU.
The Gangs All Here. This book brings back all of the other characters in the series that I just adore to pieces: Cam, Lacey, Draegyn, and Tori. The connections these characters have run deep, and you feel that through every word. Suzanne Halliday does an extraordinary job of bringing these dynamic characters together in such a way that is moving beyond words. You’ll feel the love they have for one another wholly, and it’ll just make you smile.
The Fight for the Happy. The fight that Alex goes through within himself, and the fight he goes through with Meghan throughout the book is wholly captivating. He’s fighting his inner demons, and both he and Meghan are fighting a lot to be together. That fight and that tenacity is just breathtaking. Both of these characters push each other to be better, and that brings out so much in both of them that you see in their alternating perspectives.
Family, Family, Family. This entire series is about family. You see some really great ones, and some really bad ones, but the true family in this series is the Justice Brothers. This book at its heart and soul is about family and the connections developed with others. You feel that connection with family with every word, and it’s just beautiful to read.
The Light. While this book is probably the heaviest book in the series when it comes to inner demons and darkness, the light that shines through that darkness is magnificent. This book balances that dark and light wonderfully, and there were many moments that I couldn’t help but smile and laugh out loud at. That balance of the dark and the light is just great, and all that darkness makes the light so much better…
The Theme of Redemption. This book is about a lot of things, but redemption is probably the biggest. This theme weaves its way through both Alex and Meghan, and it just makes this book remarkable. For Alex, redemption is what he seeks, and at times that journey is so utterly painful and raw that you’ll just want to reach in and comfort him until its better. Through all those instances though you will be captivated by it all.
So I could go on and on about this book, but I’ll cut it off here. I sincerely hope you give Redeeming Justice and the other Justice Brothers a chance, because you won’t be sorry if you do. To end this review I’m “stealing” what I already wrote in my Goodreads review of this book, because I think it sums it all up pretty well.
Redeeming Justice is a book about a lot of things. It’s about redemption for things in the past. It’s about healing from past hurt. It’s about finding the light, and it’s about finding the love that makes all the pain worthwhile. This book was out of this world remarkable, and made for a truly great reading experience you won’t want to miss. The characters are great, the story is magnificent and well-paced, and in the end, you’ll be so happy you had a chance to experience it!
Meet the Author:
Suzanne Halliday can be found at the following links, so be sure to check her out today because she is just fabulous!
The first book in the Justice Brothers Series, Broken Justice, is currently on sale for just 99 pennies! Be sure to grab this one to see where all the redemption began for these 3 extremely enthralling Justice Brothers!
Release Day Blitz 22nd July – USA & Canada 29th July – UK, Australia & New Zealand
Book: Don’t Let Go
(A Full Heart Novella)
Author: MJ Summers
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis:
M.J. has been working on a little something sweet and savory for you while you wait for Breaking Love to be released…
Readers fell in love with Ben and Alicia’s picture-perfect marriage in BREAK IN TWO, but, for these two, the road to a happy ending hasn’t always been smooth.
Alicia Williams has been in love with Ben Mitchell since he picked her up out of the mud in elementary school. But baseball-obsessed Ben has dreams to make it to the majors and see the world, and those dreams don’t include the girl next door, no matter how perfect she is. Ben is forced to choose and he leaves Alicia behind – but dreams can change and regrets can grow. When Ben returns back home to the ranch in Colorado Springs, trying to re-discover the man he was meant to be, will the girl he can’t get off his mind still be waiting?
Join Ben and Alicia in DON’T LET GO as they fall in love and discover that sometimes life’s greatest adventure is the one you find at home.
Meet the Author:
MJ Summers currently resides in Canada, not far from the Rocky Mountains, with her husband, three young children and their goofy dog. When she’s not writing erotic novels she loves running, reading, going for long dinners with her girlfriends, swimming, and camping with her family.
“How about you and me pretend we are the only two people on this island and we’re staying for a good long time?” Ben nuzzled her neck for a moment and then found her earlobe with his lips, savouring it.
“Why, Ben,” Alicia said coyly, “if there is no one else on this island, that means we can do anything we like, anywhere we like . . .”
“Exactly,” Ben replied in a low, sexy tone as he slid his hand in between her thighs. Finding the high slit in her skirt, he ran his large hand along the silk of her legs, wasting no time in getting to her bikini bottoms. He toyed with the strings resting on her hips. One little tug and they would fall away from her, leaving her exposed under her skirt. Trailing kisses down her neck to her collarbone, he pulled at the strings. “I’ve been waiting to do that all day,” he murmured in her ear.
Alicia gasped a little at the thought of being so exposed to the world before she realized that they really were alone. She allowed herself to enjoy the hot breeze as it caressed her sensitive skin. “That’s kind of why I bought it.”
Ben’s fingers moved along the length of her sex, taking in its satin warmth. Alicia gave a little moan and turned to find his mouth with hers, feeling her body respond as it always did to Ben’s touch. After years of his kisses, she never stopped getting that thrill from feeling his lips on her. He kissed her the way he looked at her, as though she were the only woman to have ever inhabited the planet.
Sliding his fingertips gently into her, pressing his palm against her, rubbing with exactly the amount of pressure that he knew she loved, Ben knew every inch of her body, how she wanted to be touched, what she needed, and he took full advantage of that knowledge as he moved his other hand up over her breasts. Moving his fingers in tiny circles inside her, he could feel her press herself hungrily against his hand. It wasn’t long before they reached that exquisite moment when she tensed in long waves as commanding as those in the ocean nearby. Alicia bit down on her lip to stifle the loud cry that begged to erupt from her throat. Ben’s own breathing become ragged and his entire body hardened at the desire that was building up in him. He wanted her right there on that beach and he was going to have her.
Laura Benson has her life together, thank you very much. Her jewelry store in San Francisco is doing wonderfully. Her design skills will soon have her traveling to London, designing a new line that should build her reputation world wide.
She’s on top, which is where she likes to be – especially when it comes to men. Since giving her fiance his ring back a year ago, Laura has kept her relationships light, and short. Sexy pilot Smoke Hamilton might be hot, but she doesn’t need a Mr Right, just Mr Right Now. She doesn’t need a man holding her down.
From the moment he first saw her, Smoke knew Laura was his kind of sexy. What he hadn’t banked on was her being his kind of smart, with a sassy mouth too. He usually prefers his women ‘nice and easy’, but Laura is a challenge. Smoke has always been a sucker for a challenge, he just can’t leave them alone til he’s conquered them.
Conquering Laura is a risk, she’s Jack’s cousin, Jack is not only his friend, but his employer too. Still she’s a risk he has to take. As a pilot, his career comes first, and always gives him the option to fly away. He’ll never let a woman tie him down again.
The chemistry between them definitely has the sparks flying, but will the scars of the past only lead them to crash and burn?
Excerpt
“Laura,” said Holly, “This is Smoke, Phoenix Chief Pilot and an old friend of Jack and Pete’s. Smoke, this is Laura Benson, Jack’s cousin.”
She held out her hand, he shook it as her gaze met his. Hot damn! She was gorgeous. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with fun and laughter as she smiled at him. Her long slender fingers, wrapped around his, made him want her long arms wrapped around his neck—and her long slender legs wrapped around him too, for that matter!
He was vaguely aware that the girls were getting on the waiting golf cart. He should let go of Laura’s hand, but all he could do was keep staring at her beautiful face. She wasn’t letting go of his hand either. He heard Holly saying “Go, go, go.” The spell was broken as Laura turned away from him.
The golf cart pulled away with three giggling women on it.
“Sorry, sweetie, no room.” Missy waved happily at them.
Smoke grinned as Laura turned back to him and rolled her eyes. “No-one could ever accuse that bunch of being subtle, sorry!”
He laughed. “Subtle no, perceptive, definitely. And I for one am grateful.” More than just grateful. He couldn’t believe his luck. She was smiling at him. Damn, she was beautiful!
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful too. I’m just not quite sure what to do with it.”
“Well, the way I see it, we could miss an opportunity because we’re both taken by surprise, or we can think on our feet and make the most of the few moments we have.”
A touch of color appeared on her cheeks as she looked up at the plane and then back at him. Damn, she had a dirty mind! She looked surprised, but definitely interested. But no, he’d want more than a few moments in the back of the plane with this woman. He’d want a whole night in a big bed.
He pursed his lips and gave her a knowing smile. “When I say we can use these moments wisely, I mean you can give me your number, so I can call you and we can see where this goes.”
She laughed, looking a little embarrassed. “Of course you do.” She reached into her purse and took a business card from her wallet. As he tried to take it from her, she held on to the corner, not letting go. He met her gaze. “You only get it if you really want it, Captain. Don’t take it if you don’t.”
He flicked his wrist and pulled the card from her grasp. He held it up with a smile. “I really want it, Laura.” He was gratified to see the little pink stains on her cheeks deepen when he added. “And I will take it.”
She put her hands on her hips and smiled, the sexiest smile he’d ever seen. “I want it too, Smoke.” His throat went dry again when she asked, “So, are you going to give it to me?”
He was glad that the black slacks of his pilot’s uniform were loose fitting, otherwise she’d see how much he’d like to give it to her!
She threw her head back and laughed. “Get your mind out of the gutter and give me your number, Smoke!”
He laughed with her as he took his wallet from his back pocket and handed her his card. “I will call you, but I need to warn you, my schedule is a little crazy. I don’t know when I’ll be able to get back here, but it will be as soon as I can.”
She nodded. “That’s okay. My life is a little hectic too. I’m sure we’ll get around to it.”
Smoke intended to make damned sure they did. “Do you ever get up to Summer Lake?” he asked.
“I’ll be going back and forth until Jack and Emma get married, since I’m one of the bridesmaids. Will you be going to the wedding?”
Smoke nodded. “I will.” The golf cart was approaching. Her friends would be waiting. He took her hand again. She smiled. “I’m so glad to meet you, Laura.”
She gave his hand a squeeze. “You too, Smoke.” She climbed onto the golf cart. “I’ll see you at the wedding if not before,” she called as she rode away.
Hi, I’m SJ. A coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good red wines. I’m a lost soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without writing, but I can’t write without coffee.I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write ‘Sweet N Steamy’ stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I’m not reading or writing you’ll find me just down the road in the park – Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
We are so excited to get to share the cover for Cora Carmack’s ALL BROKE DOWN today! A New Adult Contemporary Romance, and published by William Morrow-an imprint of HarperCollins, this is the second book in her Rusk University Series, and it is set to be released on October 28, 2014! But you can pre-order it NOW! Check out what it’s about and then fall in love with this gorgeous cover!
ABOUT ALL BROKE DOWN:
In this second book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cora Carmack’s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with All Lined Up, a young woman discovers that you can’t only fight for what you believe in . . . sometimes you have to fight for what you love
Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one.
Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians—you name it, she’s probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He’s in for a different kind of fighting. And though he’s arrogant and infuriating, she can’t help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause.
Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it’s trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He’s met girls like her before—fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn’t think he’s broken, and he definitely doesn’t need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about, his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help.
Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She’s done a multitude of things in her life– boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.
Each Summer Lake Romance can be read as a stand alone book – no cliff hangers here! Each book contains one couple’s story. However, they are best read in order to get full enjoyment of the underlying story and friendships.
Book 1: Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt Emma and Jack
Book 2: Work Like You Don’t Need the Money Pete and Holly
Book 3: Dance Like Nobody’s Watching Missy and Dan
Synopsis
This book is intended for adult readers 18+
The Summer Lake contemporary romance series follows a group of friends from a small lakeside town in the California hills. They have kept in touch over the years and now, in their early thirties, their lives are drawing them back to Summer Lake and to each other.
Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt
Emma Douglas came to Summer Lake as an orphan twenty three years ago. After losing her parents so young and later suffering a disastrous marriage, she believes that love only ever leads to pain and loss.
When she meets Jack Benson, the business partner of her childhood friend Pete, she sees everything she used to long for in a man; tall, dark, and drop dead gorgeous! Despite their undeniable attraction, Emma is too scared to risk her heart, especially on a man so much like her ex – sexy, smart, funny, successful and no doubt the same kind of cheat!
When events lead them both to Summer Lake for the summer, will Jack be able to persuade her that he’s nothing like her ex in all the ways that really matter? That the love she used to dream of isn’t a little girl’s fantasy, but a reality they can share if she can get past her fear and learn to trust?
Holly Hayes is a realist, if nothing else. She’s going to be Maid of Honor at her best friend, Emma’s wedding in Summer Lake. Pete Hemming, self made millionaire, powerful CEO, all around good guy, is going to be the Best Man. If they’re going to be able to get through their official duties, there’s one thing they’ll need to deal with first. Sex!
He may be out of her league socially and financially, but one thing is clear. He wants her. She wants him. What’s the harm in one night of passion? It’s inevitable they’re going to end up naked together. So it’s best to get it out of the way early, right? So they can get on with organizing the wedding.
Pete Hemming is a man with a plan. He’s lived his life by the plan, built his business by it. The plan doesn’t allow for a woman in his life, only in his bed. Trouble is, once he gets Holly into his bed, he can’t get her out of his mind. But he can’t let her into his life, can he?
The Summer Lake series follows a group of friends from a small lakeside town in the California hills. They have kept in touch over the years and now, in their early thirties, their lives are drawing them back to Summer Lake and to each other.
Missy Malone has had a great summer, watching her friends meet wonderful guys and fall in love. She even has a wonderful guy in her own life. Trouble is, he’s only in her life to mentor her son, Scot. She just has to stop daydreaming that he could be as good for her as he is for Scot. What would he ever see in her anyway? She’s a broke single mom who talks too much, while he’s a quiet, shy, tech genius. And besides…he has a girlfriend!
On paper, Dan Benson has a great life in San Jose. His software development company, his penthouse apartment, his car, and his girlfriend are all supposed to make him feel happy and successful. None of them do. Until he started visiting Summer Lake, he’d always been more comfortable around computers than people. These days he’s comfortable hanging out with his brother, Jack, and his friends. He feels successful when he’s helping Scot. Most of all, he’s happier than he’s ever been, when he can spend time with Missy.
Will the attraction between them be enough to overcome the differences and obstacles that stand in their way?
The Summer Lake series follows a group of friends from a small lakeside town in the California hills. They have kept in touch over the years and now, in their early thirties, their lives are drawing them back to Summer Lake and to each other.
Hi, I’m SJ. A
coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good red wines. I’m a lost
soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I
am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without
writing, but I can’t write without coffee.
I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but
life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non
fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I
returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write ‘Sweet N Steamy’ stories because to me there is enough angst and
darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on
fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I’m not reading
or writing you’ll find me just down the road in the park – Yellowstone. I have
deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
The Never Ending Book Basket 